The Best Vietnamese Restaurants in San Francisco
This tiny sandwich shop in Little Saigon of the Tenderloin district is probably the best bargain in the city when it comes to good quality sandwiches and CHEAP prices. You would never guess just by looking at it from the outside, but inside is two little Vietnamese women making sandwiches at the warp speed of light! Saigon offers traditional Vietnamese baguette sandwiches that will put any other sandwiches to shame. All sandwiches are filled with pickled shredded carrots, onions, jalapenos, mayonnaise, cilantro and choice of meat ranging from roast pork, ham, pate, bbq chicken, and meatballs, OR you can go for the special combination that includes pate, roast pork, and ham. Vegetarian options are also available. Did I mention that you can get all that for ONLY $2!!!
Turtle Tower Restaurant (631 Larkin St., Tenderloin, (415) 409-3333)
Turtle Tower offers Northern Vietnamese style Pho in the Little Saigon district of San Francisco. The pho here is phenomenal and definitely authentic. The broth is clear and tasty, the noodles are wide and slippery, and the meat is fresh and of good quality. Although no herbs are served w/ the pho and there is not any hoisin to boost the flavor of the soup, it all doesn’t matter because the pho tastes so darn good on it’s own anyway! Both the beef and the chicken pho are excellent. Try it with a couple slivers of jalapeno for a little kick! If you are really hungry, try the egg roll appetizer and wrap it in lettuce leaves with a little bit of rice vermicelli noodles and dip it into some nuoc mam (fish sauce)-YUM! Prices are very inexpensive, service is average, and the restaurant is pretty clean. Just make sure you get there before 7:30 pm since they close early.
Aux Delices (2327 Polk St., Russian Hill, (415) 928-4977)
Amongst the yuppie bars, cafes, Gorilla Sports gym, and California/fusion restaurants on Polk St. between Union and Vallejo, there is one restaurant that seems to be out of place and that is Aux Delice. Aux Delice is the type of place that I would expect to see in Little Saigon or in the Mission, only because this is a family run restaurant and it seems cliche for it to be in Russian Hill. The food is authentic Vietnamese and pretty close to what you would get if you were invited to eat at a Vietnamese family’s home. The service is usually outstanding because the owners are at the front of the house and they are really sweet, kind, and hospitable. Most entrees are good, but don’t skip the appetizers (they’re the best). Favorites are the fresh shrimp spring rolls and the papaya salad.
Dragonfly Restaurant (420 Judah St., Sunset District, (415) 661-7755)
The Sunset District is known to be the foggiest area of the city and for the abundance of asian markets and restaurants. Hidden amongst many mediocre asian restaurants lies a jewel called Dragonfly. Dragonfly has only been opened for a few months, but it already has the winning formula: excellent food + inexpensive prices + hip, contemporary atmosphere = $ucce$$. Everything about this place is attractive from the chic dÃ?©cor to the beautiful presentation of the food. This is a great place to go for when you are in the mood to go out to eat but you don’t want a hole in the wall or a meal that will leave a whole in your pocket. The menu is vast offering contemporary and authentic salads, rice and noodle entrees, and desserts. The five spiced chicken is incredible and don’t forget to have the creamy coconut black rice for dessert!
Ana Mandara (891 Beach St., Ghiradelli Square, (415) 771-6800)
When you walk into Ana Mandara you immediately feel as if you’ve been swept away into the exotic southeastern asian tropics in a James Bond movie. Not only is the scenery spectacular, but the food is precise with authentic Vietnamese flavors, innovative and creative dishes, and beautiful presentation. Ana Mandara would be a place I would bring my mother to and I know she would have little to critique. My only qualm is that the prices are overly priced. Overall, if you are looking for a beautiful ambiance (great place for a date or special occasion) and great Vietnamese food, this is the place to come, but don’t be surprised if you end up eating bag lunches for the next week or so!
Slanted Door (1 Ferry Building #3, Embarcadero, (415) 861-8032)
Highly acclaimed chef/owner Charles Phan has done what most other Vietnamese restaurants fail to do and that is offer authentic flavors and exquisite dishes using high quality ingredients, on a high scale level. Although the flavors are very genuine and the dishes are excellent, he does not always use authentic ingredients, which is why it is considered to be fusion Vietnamese cuisine. I brought my mother here to see if she approved and for the most part she was impressed. Slanted Door has also succeeded in a beautiful atmosphere in a prime location and has a professional waitstaff. I always find that lunch is just as good as dinner, and it will save you a few dollars.
